South Korea's judicial system faces scrutiny in theater production and special prosecutor summons

A new stage play titled “Residual Justice and Language,” presented at the 47th Seoul Theatre Festival, dramatizes the post‑Korean‑War trials of alleged collaborators. The production highlights historic injustices and connects them to contemporary debates over prosecution reform, the abolition of the prosecution’s investigative authority, and the broader public distrust of the judiciary.

Separately, a second‑generation special investigation team announced that former Prosecutor General Lee Won‑seok has been summoned to give testimony on allegations that the administration sought to suppress investigations involving First Lady Kim Keon‑hee. The team is probing possible political interference in the handling of the “luxury‑bag” and “German‑motor” cases, which were ultimately dropped without charges.

Both items reflect ongoing scrutiny of South Korea’s legal institutions and the tension between historical accountability and present‑day reform efforts.